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Woods that Resist Fire and Weather

30th December 1932
Page 44
Page 44, 30th December 1932 — Woods that Resist Fire and Weather
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CONSIDERING that timber, next • .--4to stone, is, doubtless, the oldest commodity in the world, it is astonishing how little the general public knows about this most adaptable material. Thus, in their preference for metal over wood as a constructional material, there are technical writers who always stress their choice by stating, somewhat obviously, that metal has the advantage of being fireproof.

Of course, they mean to imply that a structure of wood could not be said to have the same advantage, but that is incorrect. There are at least two woods (and British woods at that) which can be safely described as "fireproof." One is the Australian timber, jarrah, which is absolutely fireproof, and the other, iroko, a material from West Africa, has been passed by the London County Council as fire-resistant.

Jarrah is a wood excellently suited to constructional work of all kinds, and iroko Is an admirable timber for high-class joinery, particularly adaptable for any exposed component, being one of the bestknown weather-resisting woods. Both woods are largely used abroad, B30 where their merits have long been .recognized.

Under great heat, stone will crack, metal will bend, twist and eventually melt, but jarrah hardly smoulders. It is an extremely strong, straightgrained wood of close texture and medium hardness. Varying in colour from brick red to dark red, it is, occasionally, handsomely figured, works easily and well, takes a fine polish, and, with that other famous Australian wood, kern, shares the reputation for being the most durable timber in the world.

It forms attractive flooring, especially suitable for heavy wear, and becomes harder with age—an almost imperishable wood in all circumstances.

Iroko is frequently sold in the timber trade as African teak, or African oak, but it is really not related to either of those standard timbers. Iroko is a strong, moderately hard, durable timber, of fairly open grain, pale to dark brown in colour, and of attractive appearance when polished.

It can be obtained in considerable widths, and is cheaper than either oak or teak. When properly seasoned, it will neither warp nor shrink. Unlike most woods, iroko plays no tricks in drying and excellent results are obtainable with artificial seasoning. The wood stands well, and, when mortised and dovetailed, forms strong and reliable joints unaffected by vibration.

Being "climate-proof," as well as fire-resistant, makes it well adapted for use in this country, where a reliable wood of good appearance is required at low cost, for outside or inside use.

Other fire-resisting woods approved by the London County Council are karri, teak, oak. Nigerian walnut, Andaman padoull and crabwood from British Guiana, all of which are suitable for commercial-motor bodies.

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Organisations: London County Council
Locations: London

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